It is indeed disappointing that Mr. KKC Balu, who has been closely associated with the promotion of Valli Kummi, has been chosen for recognition through the Kalaimamani Award. This practice, under the guise of tradition, compels women to take vows that they will not marry outside their caste—an idea that runs contrary to the values of equality, liberty, and individual choice.
Such recognition sends a troubling signal in a society that has long struggled to overcome caste divisions. Honoring an ideology that restricts women’s right to choose their partners and perpetuates caste-based discrimination undermines the principles of justice and social harmony.
Art, in its truest sense, is meant to unite people, nurture harmony, and uplift society. It should never become a vehicle for reinforcing caste barriers or exclusionary practices.
In this spirit, it would be appropriate to reconsider the decision and withdraw the Kalaimamani Award granted to Mr. Balu. Further, practices such as Valli Kummi that institutionalize caste divisions deserve to be discouraged, if not prohibited, in the interest of building a more just and inclusive society.